With plenty of experience at the tight end position, look for Hopkins and Cole Herdman to be on the field a lot this season

Mike Carmin, Journal & Courier

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – What we learned from Purdue assistant coach Mark Tommerdahl and the tight ends following Thursday’s practice:

Are you ready to see more of Cole Herdman and Brycen Hopkins on the field together?

Tight end Cole Herdman during football practice Tuesday, August 7, 2018, at Purdue.

Tight end Cole Herdman during football practice Tuesday, August 7, 2018, at Purdue.

John Terhune/Journal & Courier,

It happened last season, and it’s headed in that direction again. Similar to the quarterback position, the Boilermakers have solid options either way.

“That’s probably our favorite thing — both of us on the field together,” Hopkins said. “That’s another mismatch the defense has to deal with.”

Both were heavily involved in the offense early in the season.

They combined for seven catches against Louisville, caught a total of six the next week against Ohio, including a flea flicker to Herdman for a touchdown.

After four games, Herdman and Hopkins had 20 receptions - about 45 percent of what would end up as their season total. Nearly 67 percent of their catches allowed the Boilermakers to gain a first down.

“I love playing in two tight end sets with Brycen,” Herdman said. “It creates mismatches, just puts the defense in an uncomfortable situation. We can go to a lot of things out of that, throw jump balls, option routes and also use the run game.

“That’s going to be a bigger part of our offense.”

As the outside receiver position continues to sort itself out, using more tight ends could end up as a benefit to the offense. Herdman and Hopkins can stretch the field and isolating them on an outside linebacker or a safety might increase the big plays.

“Those first four games last year, people saw that these guys — Brycen and I and Darius and Jess at times — can really play and be really good players in the Big Ten,” Herdman said. “If we can continue that and have a full season, it’s going to make us better as an offense, better as a team.”

Tommerdahl will quickly correct anyone who just wants to focus on Herdman and Hopkins. Don’t forget about sophomore Darius Pitman and junior Jess Trussell.

Pittman played as a freshman last season, mostly on special teams, but gained valuable experience. He’s more advanced in becoming a factor in the passing game and needs to continue to improve as a blocker.

Purdue tight ends and special teams coach on his group after one week of practice

Mike Carmin, Journal & Courier

Pittman was a receiver at Saint Stanislaus High School in Mississippi but was moved to tight end when he joined the Boilermakers. He’s added 30 pounds since arriving on campus, currently weighing 250.

“The biggest thing playing the past year was adjusting to the pace of the game,” said Pittman, who caught one pass for seven yards in the bowl game. “It’s way more faster than high school. I’m ready to play more. I wouldn’t say I’m ready to start but I’m ready to play more.”

Herdman sees an increased role for Pittman, one that will likely be different than his and Hopkins.

“Young guy with a great frame and he runs really good routes and he runs well too,” Herdman said. “He’s finding his role in the offense. We have a package for just Darius now, too. It’s interesting how they use him. He creates mismatches — he’s a fast, strong guy but a little different than Brycen and I.”

Number to track – 26

Total receptions by the tight ends in Purdue’s seven victories last season, an average of 3.7. In the six losses, the group made 20 combined catches.

How have the tight ends adjusted to their new coach?

Tommerdahl brings 34 years of experience to Purdue. He’s coached tight ends at five different programs and also spent 23 years as a special teams coordinator.

“He’s growing on us, man,” Hopkins said. “He’s a good guy. He’s got his priorities straight and he knows what he’s talking about.”

Tight end Brycen Hopkins with a catch during Purdue football practice Thursday, August 9, 2018, in ...more

Tight end Brycen Hopkins with a catch during Purdue football practice Thursday, August 9, 2018, in West Lafayette.

John Terhune/Journal & Courier,

That includes his taste in music. Tommerdahl is a fan of Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger. When players walk into his office, those are the only two musical selections.

“That’s him,” Hopkins said. “If you want to get to his soft spot, give him a record of Bruce Springsteen.”

Tommerdahl is no different than the newcomers to the program. He’s trying to learn Brohm’s offense.

He called it “massive” and continues to watch a lot of film to get caught up.

“I’m still in that learning curve of trying to learn the offense,” he said.

He didn’t have to watch a ton of film to know what he has at the tight end position. And he knows Brohm’s history in highlighting the position in his offense.

“All you have to do is watch last year,” Tommerdahl said. “You watch Jeff Brohm’s history before that, there’s a tight end on the field 90 percent of the time, two tight ends on the field half the time. It’s good stuff. There’s enough in this offense to keep everyone happy.”